West County residents
will have an opportunity to vote on Tuesday September 16, on Measure C,
which will authorize bonds to pay for additional construction and
modernization of schools throughout the West Contra Costa Unified School
District (WCCUSD), including many in Richmond.

The bonds to be
financed by Measure C will continue critical upgrading programs that
have been previously supported by an average of 75% of Richmond voters.
Many of these school upgrade projects are underway or have been
completed, and detailed progress reports with graphics can be found at
http://www.wccusdbondprogram.com/interactive_map/default.asp.

It is important to
keep up the momentum of the ambitious program. The WCCUSD has already
qualified for $30 of matching state funds and is in a position to
receive $50 million more, but the funds are running out and will go to
other districts if the WCCUSD is not prepared to obligate them on the
remaining projects.

Measure C will allow
completion of the elementary school modernization and construction
program for all Richmond elementary schools as well as Richmondís high
schools. These schools are unsafe and do not have the necessary
infrastructure, such as electrical systems, lighting, data systems, and
heating and ventilating systems needed to function in the 21st
Century. For example, an electrical fire at Pinole Middle School last
year caused $1 million in damage.

Measure D has wide
support, including teachers, parents, businesses and community leaders.